Fiber optic potassium ion sensor

摘要

A sensor (10) is provided for detecting the concentration of potassium ions which comprises a molecule which selectively complexes potassium ions. The molecule, e.g., 2,2-bis[3,4-(15-crown-5)-2-nitrophenylcarbamoxymethyl]tetradecanol-14, has at least one binding site and is provided with a fluorophore group, e.g., Rhodamine-B, at that site. The molecule is one that expands upon complexation of potassium ions, such that the intensity of fluorescence increases. The change in fluorescent intensity is a direct measure of the concentration of potassium ions. A detector employing the sensor is also provided.